We have a much better picture of Walt Disney World’s holiday plans, thanks to the Disney Parks Blog:

Today, we’re looking ahead to the holidays and unwrapping some of the many magical experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019.  And there are exciting updates to share at all four of our theme parks and Disney Springs!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Holiday Festivities in Every Land For First Time 

For the first time in its two-decade history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land.

Beginning November 8, 2019, when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter. By day, stylized, life-sized animal puppets mingle with villagers who make the island their home. As day becomes night, rooftop luminaries in animal shapes and bird lanterns throughout Discovery Island will bring a warm glow to the village.

Also, as the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with a series of wintry tales emerging from within, backed by a heartwarming holiday musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life will shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

Magic Kingdom Park – New Fireworks Show, Holiday Experiences

As we shared earlier, the skies above Magic Kingdom Park will sparkle to life like never before during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with the debut of an all-new fireworks show that can be enjoyed across the park!  

The new fireworks show, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, will celebrate the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs, from “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”   You’ll be able to see the fireworks show during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights November 8 – December 22, 2019.

Along with our new show, each of this year’s 23 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will feature performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show.  And during A Frozen Holiday Wish stage show, Queen Elsa will magically transform Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.

Epcot –  Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens & More

The 2019 line-up of celebrity narrators confirmed to-date for the popular Candlelight Processional launched earlier today for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This special event runs November 29-December 30, where you’re invited to discover holiday cheer throughout Epcot and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. For information about the Festival or to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package starting July 3, visit Epcotholidays.com or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Also at Epcot, from Nov. 29, 2019, through Dec. 30, 2019, guests will be immersed in a vast world of holiday decorations and entertainment, themed merchandise, festive cuisine and costumed storytellers from the 11 World Showcase nations.

Special Holiday Kitchens sprinkled throughout World Showcase will serve up tasty treats inspired by treasured holiday recipes from across the globe. And pavilions will come alive with the sights and sounds of special entertainment celebrating each country’s holiday heritage with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting guests at The American Adventure pavilion.

Guests can also participate in Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree Scavenger Hunt to scout World Showcase locations looking for the famous chipmunks and their ornaments. Completed maps are returned for a special festive surprise, courtesy of the chipmunk duo.

And this year, with its premiere scheduled for Oct. 1, 2019, holiday guests will be among the first to view “Epcot Forever,” a new nighttime spectacular bursting above World Showcase Lagoon.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios  – Sunset Greetings, Special Holiday Entertainment 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also rolling out special holiday shows, enchanting “snowfalls,” décor and more this season. And this year, you’ll be able to live your Star Wars story at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where you may just find the perfect holiday gift from a galaxy far, far away.

You won’t want to miss the Sunset Seasons Greetings show at the park, featuring projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, amazing laser effects and “snow,” along with stories, songs and cheer courtesy of favorite Disney friends.

The nighttime spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will treat holiday-goers to festive music, fireworks, special effects and state-of-the-art projections to a one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the iconic Chinese Theatre.

And as a curtain-closer, Olaf will be delivering a special holiday finale in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along along with other experiences.

Disney Springs – New Holiday Shopping, Dining and More

Guests who make a holiday list, can check it twice as they breeze among dozens of trendy brand-name stores and a large and varied collection of Disney merchandise at Disney Springs.  There are amazing dining spots to explore and this year’s live entertainment will include toy soldier stilt walkers, carolers and Living Statues in holiday attire. Holiday decorations set the colorful stage for Disney Springs festivities, which run Nov. 8, 2019, to Jan. 5, 2020.

If you’re visiting the popular Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs this season, you will be treated to custom-decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and others.

At Santa’s Chalet, a jolly Santa Claus welcomes guests. From Dec. 25 to 31, Santa Goofy takes over after Ol’ Saint Nick returns to the North Pole.

And you’re invited to also join in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and discover where the mischievous Experiment 626 is hiding.

Today’s update is just an early taste of the holiday magic coming to all four theme parks and Disney Springs this year.

Matthew Soberman